A decade

Ten years ago today I began this blog, originally it was to be a written commentary of where I came from and how my life had changed, experiences and opportunities taken. It was also a way to document what we were doing for Andrew in Australia, but very quickly it morphed into posts about life,Continue reading “A decade”

Camino: blisters, bowels and bladders

A year in the planning after a member of the magical midlife group said she’d like to do this, there was enough of us interested to get a group together. There was much talk of footwear, training, choice of sock, clothing, backpack choices, snacks and anything else in between. On the 4th May, 14 ofContinue reading “Camino: blisters, bowels and bladders”

We’ve blinked and it’s April

Well March has gone in a flash, and it’s been full with time with River and Brodie. We’ve found new places to visit through the Essex Wildlife Trust, and River’s imagination just runs wild. It’s almost like he’s on a Minecraft set. We enjoyed a trip to Twickenham to see England play Italy in theContinue reading “We’ve blinked and it’s April”

A new year full of hope and optimism

Twelve days into 2025 and full of hope and optimism for what it may hold. We’ve enjoyed time with River, FaceTime and photos of Ramsay and Brodie. We managed a day trip to see Brodie too. All three are developing and changing and it serves as a reminder as to how fleeting these early yearsContinue reading “A new year full of hope and optimism”

Tragedy: a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death or suffering

On Wednesday night Georgina called me with the saddest news: the death of Liam Payne from 1Direction. Georgina has been a fan from 2011 and beyond their hiatus in 2016. Five young men of similar age to her, she met them in March 2011 and again in March 2012. We followed their journey to stardomContinue reading “Tragedy: a very sad event or situation, especially one involving death or suffering”

Scotland bound

After a busy few days we made the trip to Scotland on Thursday for my cousin Brian’s funeral. He was only 63, always a part of my life. I remember spending so much of my childhood with him and his siblings. Those bonds with all my cousins remain today. In adult years with marriage andContinue reading “Scotland bound”

Another grandchild, Australia and August.

I can’t believe that by the end of this year we will be the proud grandparents to 3 grandchildren. Georgina is expecting a baby in December. She told us on her birthday, but waited until twelve weeks to announce it fully. We are beyond thrilled and excited for her and her partner. She will beContinue reading “Another grandchild, Australia and August.”

A day to remember

Going to watch a game of cricket yesterday I remembered that it was 43 years ago that I watched a match for the first time, and met Kevin’s family. It was daunting to meet so many new people, which I marvel at I just did it, as I must have been so nervous. I’d neverContinue reading “A day to remember”

That’s another fine mess you got me into Stanley.

Famous words from Hardy, (Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy) as we arrive at Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. It was very windy and we travelled in the ship’s lifeboats to land. We saw a few dolphins as we approached. Once we arrived we got on a coach to take in a few sights asContinue reading “That’s another fine mess you got me into Stanley.”

Last day in Antarctica

As we approached Deception Island, a caldera from an active volcano, we were struck by the ruggedness of the landscape as well as seeing the steam rise from the water lapping the shore. Deception island last erupted in the 1970’s. We entered and our destination today was Whalers Bay, with the remains of buildings fromContinue reading “Last day in Antarctica”

Portal point, a tumble and an embarrassing moment

A great start to the day with a whale nearby, and a show of it’s fluke. The morning announcement of activities and landings after breakfast for our first continental landing at Portal point. was eagerly listened to and we were prepped to go. We were advised it was slippy with fresh snow on the icyContinue reading “Portal point, a tumble and an embarrassing moment”

Four weeks have just flown by

These last four weeks I have travelled to Brighton, Barnsley, Arbroath and back again. Days out with River, Easter and birthday celebrations as well as walking as much as I can. On Thursday we attended Marion’s ( Kevin’s step mum) funeral, 33 years to the day her beloved John, at the same crematorium. There wereContinue reading “Four weeks have just flown by”

And what a week

Last week we were awaiting ‘confirmation’ of our next Prime Minister. Liz Truss was duly announced last Monday as the winner, and on Tuesday she flew to Scotland to meet the Queen. Whilst frail, Her Majesty smiled and did her duty and no one thought that her death would be announced a matter of hoursContinue reading “And what a week”

Day after Boxing Day

A trip to Harrods on Saturday 18th with Georgina was, as always, so enjoyable. The store was busy which was surprising with what had been in the news recently. After travelling to Scotland and back in two days, Christmas prep began in earnest and with River for two days it was busy, but fun too.Continue reading “Day after Boxing Day”